Happy homecoming for Exiles captain Hodgson

Brett Hodgson will captain the Exiles in the 2013 International Origin Match against England at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, on Friday June 14.

The Australian full-back is one of four Warrington Wolves players named in the squad for the fixture at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Team-mates and fellow countrymen Joel and Michael Monaghan, and Trent Waterhouse are also included.

St Helens also have four players in the squad, including Exiles ever-presents Willie Manu (Tonga) and Sia Soliola (Samoa).

Hodgson led the Exiles to a 32-20 victory in the second of last year’s Origin series at Huddersfield after England had won the opening match 18-10 at Langtree Park, St Helens.

“The Exiles is a wonderful concept, we have an exciting squad and it’s a great honour to be chosen as captain – especially in front of my home supporters,” said Hodgson. “There is no second game this year, so everything is riding on the one match. For players on either side it’s their only representative opportunity before the Rugby League World Cup, so I expect a very intense battle. “I really hope the Warrington public come out and support the match in huge numbers. It’s important that England are at their best at the World Cup, and they are going to have to be that to beat us. It’s a one-off match and we’re going to give it our best shot.”